A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you!! For all the reviews! They mean so much to me, so, thanks. Sigh, sometimes, I wonder if I do actually write a book, that it might have the same response as you guys to this fanfic. That's my dream, y'know? To be a writer…maybe not as successful as Stephanie, but a renowned author… anyway, that's enough of my ramblings!
Again, thanks so, so, so much for the reviews. I don't think I thanked y'all in the last chapter, so I hope this'll make do. I see that I've got some new readers, so yay! for you guys. I hope you keep on reading. I know, if I look it in your guys' POV, I can see it's a bit childish. But hey, I'm just a child meself...lol
BAnyway, read this chapter. Like, now!
Disclaimer: Sometimes, my love for Twilight is what keeps me from breaking down. I want to be Stephanie so bad!!
Bella Montana – Chapter 37
My week spent at Hollywood shooting for the video flew past in a blur (no pun intended, considering I'm on a plane right now). With Angela to keep me company, and Edward visiting as often as he could without arousing suspicion, my week was as enjoyable as it could've gotten.
We finished the video shoot on Wednesday, and all day on Thursday was spent doing a photo shoot. Despite all my urging on not to come, Edward still did, which meant he was there when I tried on all of the outrageous looking clothes the costume advisor told me to wear. Edward seemed to have found amusement in my embarrassment, and as for punishment, I started calling him 'Eddy'. The good thing about that was that he couldn't complain. 'Theodore's' nickname was 'Eddy', so he can't really tell me off for using it.
As for Angela, she had fun in the whole 'Hollywood experience'. I gave her a tour on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday night, Edward, Angela and I settled in the beanbags of my Mini Amphitheater, and watched all of the Harry Potter movies nonstop. Angela clearly had a blast, and Edward did too, but he was disconcerted while watching the fourth film. I couldn't blame him. One of the characters looked too much like him, and that character died.
Today, I'm on my ride home, back to Forks, with Angela fast asleep beside me. We couldn't ride on Wayne's jet again, so instead we had to book a flight. Not that I mind, we're on first class. Obviously, I had to take my wig off, seeing as first class or not, this plane is still public transport. I don't want to think about the crowd that would gather around me if they found out that Yasmin's on the plane. I wouldn't get a single moment of peace.
My phone vibrated, notifying me of an incoming text message. I knew it was Edward, but it didn't stop me from grabbing the phone to see who it was.
Bella,
It pains me to know that your presence is only a mere cabin away. We're on the same plane, -unfortunately, the plane tickets that Edward won from the competition wasn't a First Class ticket. I guess the company who founded the competition was a cheapskate – but I can't see your beautiful face, or hear your beautiful voice. Sometimes, I wonder why Fate teases me so.
Edward
His message was sweet, but I couldn't help but roll my eyes in annoyance. I'm not annoyed at him, but at the stewardess in his cabin. She won't let him upgrade, saying that it's not allowed. Not allowed…pfft! I know very well that it is allowed, and I'm sure they could spare Edward a seat. There's plenty to spare.
"Excuse me," I raised my hand, calling a random flight attendant. A pretty redhead approached me, her face coated in make up. I can tell by her expression that she feels uncomfortable wearing so much.
"Yes ma'am," she said, her voice business like but it held a tone of kindness, unlike some other flight attendant in this plane. "What can I do for you? Would you like another glass of water?" she asked, spotting my empty glass.
"No, thank you," I declined her offer. "I was just wondering if I could have a pen and paper to umm, write with."
"We don't usually have a stack of stationery for the passengers, ma'am," she said slowly. I felt myself blush faintly, and then I began frowning. What am I supposed to do then? My frown deepened further. "But," I looked up at her, "I'm sure I can find something for you to use."
I muttered a thank you as the girl walked past me. A couple of minutes later, she came back with pen and paper in hand. Smiling gratefully, I took the items from her. The paper was scented, smelling faintly like coconut, or perhaps vanilla, I could not tell.
"The paper smells lovely," I said, stopping the woman from leaving. "Where did you get this from?" I asked, not being able to contain my curiosity. She blushed, ducking her head before murmuring an answer, an answer, unfortunately, that I couldn't hear. "Forgive me, I couldn't quite catch that."
"It came from my personal journal, ma'am," she said in a louder voice. I felt shocked. She went all the way to satisfy a favor that I asked of her? Wow, she's so selfless.
"What's your name?" I asked, wanting to know her name, obviously. Why else would I ask for her name?
"It's Martha, ma'am," she answered promptly.
Waving my hand, I scoffed. "No need for this 'ma'am' nonsense," I grinned, "It makes me feel older than I really am." I took off the lid of the pen and scribbled a quick note. "Here," I folded the letter and placed it in Martha's palm. "Take this to a friend of mine. His name is Theodore Mason. I don't know which class he's in, only that he's not in this Class."
"I'll be happy to do so," she said, ducking her head before leaving.
Martha had been gone for ten minutes. I guess she couldn't fine Edward. The excitement I was feeling from earlier was diminishing, and I felt myself slump in my seat. Grabbing my phone, I deliberated if I should text Edward, or just wait some more. Maybe Martha just got lost, or had another errand – a more important errand – to attend to.
"A delivery for Ms. Swan," a deep voice with a distinct British accent said. A small package dropped in front of me, and I didn't hesitate to unwrap it. I knew it was from Edward. Who else could it be? Angela's still asleep, and I doubt anyone else knows me from this flight.
I opened the lid, and inside the small golden box, was a piece of dark chocolate. I ate the chocolate, and it was heaven in my mouth. I studied the box, wondering what kind of chocolate I'm eating, but it held no label. It was completely blank.
"Excuse me," I said to the person who delivered the chocolate, "but I was wondering if you knew –" I stopped in my tracks. A flight attendant didn't deliver the chocolate. Edward did.
"Is the chocolate to your liking?" My head nodded up and down without my permission, as if it had a mind of its own. "Then perhaps, you'll enjoy the rest." He pecked me on the lips, before handing me a wide, rectangular brown box, with a red bow design. I opened it, and saw rows and rows of dark chocolate.
It looked positively scrumptious.
"Where did you get all of this?" I managed to ask after a moment of stuttering. Edward only grinned, settling himself on the chair beside me. I was in the middle, with Angela on my left, and Edward on my right. "Last time I checked, this plane has no gift shop…."
"No," Edward laughed, "it doesn't."
"So?" I asked, wanting him to explain. Where did he get the chocolates?
"So, what?"
"You know what I mean, Edward," I rolled my eyes. I popped a piece of chocolate in my mouth, sucking on the bitterness. Normally, I go for the milk chocolate, but dark chocolate is okay. In fact, it's more than okay. It's wonderful, even more so because Edward gave these particular ones to me.
"What do you mean, Bella?"
I sighed and shook my head. Instead of pestering him, I decided on concentrating on munching on the chocolates. I couldn't get enough of them! I know I'll regret eating them all later, but I can't seem to bring myself to think of the consequences. What are a few pounds and rotten teeth worth anyway?
"Again, thank you so much, Bella," Angela said as she hugged me goodbye. We were at the front of her house, with Edward's Volvo driving us all the way from the Seattle airport. Apparently, Alice 'saw' us waiting for someone to pick us up, so she left the car in the parking lot when she went shopping a couple of days ago.
"Don't think about it," I said to Angela, squeezing her tightly. "I had fun, you had fun, Edward had fun – everyone had fun! Even Scooby had fun!" Angela shook her head when I brought up Scooby. We passed by a large billboard of Scooby Doo and his gang on the way up here, and I was quite hyper with the quick snack we had. Soda and I don't make a great mix.
"I'm not even going to complain," Angela sighed, "just keep the SD obsession on the DL." She looked behind her shoulders, and leaned closer to whisper conspiratorially, "They might think you're a tad," she crossed her eyes and did the cuckoo sign, "empty up in the attic."
"Whatever," I rolled my eyes. "Go inside Angela, and remember, we went on a one-sided exchange program with a high school in Phoenix."
"Yes, yes," Angela groaned. I giggled at her annoyance, but hey, you can't be too careful about these things. My, well, Yasmin's 'life' depends on it – her social life, I mean. "Phoenix, high school…nothing about Hollywood or seeing Paris Hilton in person, got it."
"You know," said Edward as I slid back inside the passenger's seat, "we didn't actually see Paris, only her feet."
"Meh," I shrugged, "doesn't really matter to people who aren't that accustomed to stardom life." I don't mean to put Angela down, but it's true. Her behavior, if not downright embarrassing, was a tad bit…not normal. I reach out to her though. I remember the feeling when I first entered the business. At thirteen years of age, I was full of mood swings and hormones, the regular for a budding teen.
"Do you want to be dropped off at your house or do you want to visit my family?" asked Edward as we neared a specific crossing. If we keep going and follow the highway, we'll reach the school, and further on, my house. If we turn the corner, then the road will lead to a dirt road towards Edward's house.
"I'd like to go home," I said, massaging my neck muscles, "if you don't mind. I'm quite tired and need some rest." I stretched my arms and savored the relief that I felt by doing so. We reached my home quickly, owing to Edward's preferred driving speed. Even after I threatened him that he will be endangering the life of a human (me), he still won't budge on the speed, claiming that it's slow enough already. If by some chance that the car would crash, Edward had promised he'll wrap his body around me so that I won't get hurt. The way he worded that particular sentence sent pleasant shivers throughout my body.
Stupid vampires and their need for speed…
"Here we are," Edward whispered softly. "I can see Charlie's not in. He says," he stared deeply into the distance, and I followed his gaze. There was something blue on the door, which I guessed was a note from Charlie. "…He's staying at the La Push reservation with his friend Billy until this Wednesday. He also says to drop him a line when you get back."
I opened the car door and, careful of the mud, approached the door and grabbed the note. It wasn't Charlie's handwriting, but more widely spaced and sharper…and is that a paw for the dot on the 'i's?
"Huh," I said out loud, "this isn't Charlie's handwriting."
"It's because Charlie didn't write it," Edward said, wrapping an arm around me. He nestled his head at the crook of his neck and took a deep breath. "Someone else did it for him, but I suggest you call him to make sure."
I noticed that Edward's nose was twitching, despite the lack of distance between us. He always said that I smelt delicious, flowery, but why does his facial expression say that he smells something horrible. I did take a shower this morning and before we left for the airport.
"Edward," I said, turning around in his arms to face him, "what's wrong?" I eased the wrinkles on his forehead with my fingers. "Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing," he said, shaking his head, "the place smells horrible, though. Like…" he sniffed and immediately, his nose scrunched up in disgust, "like wet dog."
"Okay one, Charlie and I don't own a dog, and two, I thought vampire drink animals."
"Yes, but this isn't canine dog that I'm smelling," he explained. "It's a different kind – the werewolf kind." His eyes bore into mine, trying to calculate my reaction. I was shocked to hear what he said. Werewolves? They were real? As in the ones that turn into half man half wolf beings during full moons?
I felt my mouth twitching to ask a question, but when I looked up and saw the little droplets of rain falling from the bright gray sky, I stopped. It's an odd feeling, watching them fall. It didn't rain at all in Hollywood, not once. All day during the week, and well into the night, the skies were as clear as glass. The stars were beautiful, I must admit, but I slightly missed the cloudy skies that Forks offer.
I laughed, feeling foolish. I can't believe I missed Forks, cold wet, dreary Forks.
"Bella," I focused back on Edward, and saw the concern in his eyes. "Bella, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Edward," I assured him. I stepped out of his embrace and hopped out the porch, feeling the raindrops fall on me right away. I spun around, my arms outstretched and mouth open in delight. "Oh," I gasped, stopping to ease myself from the dizziness. "I haven't done this for a long, long time!" In fact, the last time I did this was when I was twelve.
"Come inside, Bella!" Edward shouted over the rain. It had increased steadily, and the faint droplets had turned into pebble-sized bombshells. It hurt as it hit my skin, but the cold had numbed my body.
"Why?" I shouted back, giggling as I did so. I'm not sure if I'm just plain hyper, or it's the soda's doing. My drinking of soda can have long-term effects when given the right amount and time to settle. "It's fun out here! Join me, Edward! You're missing out!"
"You'll get sick!" he warned.
"I don't care!"
"You'll get a cold!"
"I said, I don't care," I huffed, crossing my arms. My hair bounced and some tendrils covered my eyes, but I still saw through them.
Smirking triumphantly, Edward said, "That means your singing voice won't be as good if you catch a cold."
A cold? Man, I haven't thought of that. If I get a cold, then my voice will be thick and stuffy, not to mention my nose will be running and I won't be able to breathe proper air. But is it worth it? The rain feels wonderful, and, I feel free. I haven't dance outside in the rain for the longest of times. I might not have a chance like this ever again. If I were in my right state of mind, I wouldn't be even considering doing this at all.
Dancing in the rain, who would be stupid enough to do that?
…Hyper me, of course, who else?
Seeing me falter for a reply, Edward beckoned me to come in. "Hurry up, Bella. The longer you're out there, the more likely you'll catch a cold."
I stared at him for a while, before reinforcing my crossed arms, and said in a strong, firm voice, "No." I ran to him and clutched his hands, not caring that I was splashing water everywhere and I was getting him wet. Vampires can't get sick anyway. "Edward Cullen, you are going to stay out in the rain with me and keep me company. And no, I don't care if I get sick. This is worth it."
"Bella…"
"C'mon, please?" I pouted and blinked slowly, trying to imitate Alice when she wanted something done her way. Her puppy dog pout it fool proof. No one could get passed it…and live. "It'll make my whole day…"
"I thought you wanted to rest," he eyed me suspiciously. I know he was all in for it, because I was dragging him out of the porch and into the yard. If he wasn't, then he could just use his vampire strength to stay put. Even better, he could've used his super speed to scoop me up and lock me inside my house. I wonder why he didn't think of that…or maybe he did, but didn't want to take away my freedom of choice. I sighed; he really is sweet that way.
"I can rest later, but this is now, and right now it's raining."
"I'm not sure…"
"Edward, feel the rain as it touches your skin! As a vampire, it must feel a hundred times more than what I'm feeling now, and yet, I feel great, and you're missing out on it!" I took a deep breath in, "Isn't it amazing?" I held out my hand in front of me and shaped it into a makeshift bowl. Water filled it immediately, and I splashed my face with it. "The feeling's wonderful, and no one else but you, can feel it."
Edward laughed, and spun me around in circles. It's pretty obvious he's given up. "Bella, Bella, Bella," he whispered to my ear. "You keep me on my toes…that's one of the things that attract me to you."
"Oh?" I asked, pressing myself closer to his body. I'd straddled him a long time ago. "One of the things? What else have you got, Mr. Cullen?" I dared myself to whisper seductively on his ear. I've never done that to him before, never done that to anyone, really, and this is my first time of outright flirting. It's usually Edward who's sending shivers throughout my body, not the other way around. But, by the way he's stiffened under me, I'm guessing it's a completely different story.
"For one," he said quietly, "your mind is blocked, meaning I can't read what you're planning on doing next. I like spontaneity in my so-called life. "
"Hmm, and what else…?" I boldly kissed his jaw.
"You're outstandingly brave, being in the presence of vampires for hours on end. Humans habitually run away when they're mere meters away from us."
"And…?" I nuzzled his neck, and breathed in his scent. I loved the way he smells. It reminds me of honey, polished wood, and maybe a slight hint of lavender… I couldn't tell.
"And your life is unpredictable, and I mean that in a good way. Now that I know you're a successful singer/songwriter, and a beloved icon to the masses, I can't help but think that you can do anything you want. You might be singing songs now, but in the future, you might own record labels, direct movies, star in them even," – does he know about Mr. Banks' proposition? – "Or maybe…" he took a deep breath, and lowered me gently back to the ground. He still held me around the waist, his dirty butterscotch eyes boring into mine. I didn't let go of him, only wrapping my soaking arms around his neck.
"Maybe what?" I asked, urging him to say whatever it is he's trying to say.
"Maybe in the future, you'll be happy with your own family…" he looked away, staring sightlessly behind me. It's like he's seeing something in his head, a possible future that I can't seem to see. "Your own children, and a loving husband by your side."
"Is that an offer?" I hesitantly asked, my fingers hand frozen, not from the cold, but from the shock. Is he asking me to marry him? Should I say yes? Am I ready for this? Am I old enough to get tied up? Before I even managed to straighten out my thoughts, Edward growled.
"No," he said through gritted teeth. It was such a violent noise, that I nearly jumped away in fright. Thankfully, Edward is still holding me around the waist. "Children aren't in my near future, not ever," he stated, "vampires simply can't bear children. But you," he looked at me, and I saw the pain in his eyes, "you can. Humans can bear children. If you think about it, you can have a happy future…you don't need me."
What did he just say? How dare he say that? Me…not needing him? Preposterous! Like what he said at the forest when I confronted him: I am his personal brand of heroine. And guess what, Edward? You're mine too. I'm addicted to you.
"You deserve someone who can give you choices in life, not restrictions, like what I'm giving to you. I –"
"Shut up," I barked out. Edward stopped speaking, looking quite affronted. I did interrupt him after all, and with such a force behind my voice. "You are going to listen to me, and you are going to listen good. My future, whatever it might be, will have an Edward Cullen in it. I don't care if I have children or not; bearing children haven't crossed my mind at all. What matters to me, is that you," I poked him lightly on the chest, "are my future, and a future without you," I poked him again, "is like the night sky without the calming light of the moon."
"But please, Bella," he begged, "reconsider this choice. Think about what you're giving up if you choose to be with me. It might not be obvious now, but in the long shot…" he sighed, "You won't know what you're missing."
"Hey," I smiled up at him gently, "let me make my own decisions. I'll do what you say and think about it, but I'm warning you, it won't do any good."
"That's all I ask." He hugged me closer to him, and together, we danced in the rain.
After a while, I raised my head from his chest and asked curiously, "Do you hear that?" I strained my ears to listen harder, "It sounds like guitars…"
"Bella, I can't hear anything," he was looking around, trying to spot anyone around the vicinity. "Are you sure it's not in your head."
I locked eyes with him, and then suddenly it hit me. It's all in my head. The guitars are in my head, and they are playing a fantastic melody. Rapidly, words from our earlier conversation began blending with the tune. I can feel a new song being created, and it's happening inside my head.
"Edward," I said seriously, "I need a guitar. Quick."
A/N: Can anyone guess what song she's thinking about? I'll give ya'll three clues: it's not on of Miley's songs, that's for sure. It's kind of old, a couple years tops, and if you guys are avid television watchers, there's a huge chance that you've encountered this song before. Got it yet? Because I have…lol.
=]
PS. And did anyone know that Robert Pattinson was modeling when he was 12? I mean, he looked fit! Can anyone say, "Swoon!" Hmm, at least I think he was hott.
